Addis Ababa, September 7, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s New Year traditions are being shared with the diplomatic community in Addis Ababa through a program bringing diplomats into celebrations of the country’s distinctive cultural heritage ahead of the arrival of 2019 E.C.
Co-organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture and Sport, the program is being held from September 7 to 10 at more than 50 embassies in Addis Ababa, giving diplomats an opportunity to celebrate the Ethiopian New Year alongside Ethiopians and welcome the new year in a spirit of togetherness and renewal.
As part of Monday’s program, New Year greeting ceremonies were held at the embassies of Mali, Canada, Slovakia, Jordan, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, Poland, Israel, Hungary, the United Kingdom, Oman, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Officials representing the two ministries delivered goodwill messages during the ceremonies, while cultural troupes from various theaters performed the traditional dance “Abeba Ayeyshi Wey?” Samples of Ethiopian handicrafts and locally produced items, including coffee, were also presented as gifts.
The initiative is intended to promote wider appreciation of Ethiopia’s New Year traditions among members of the diplomatic community and provide a cultural setting for diplomats to experience the occasion together with Ethiopians.
Heads of the participating diplomatic missions highlighted the distinctive character of Ethiopia’s calendar, describing it as an integral part of the country’s history and a feature that distinguishes Ethiopia internationally.
They extended their best wishes to the Ethiopian people and expressed hope that the coming year would usher in hope, peace and development.